Je ne trouve aucun horaire de bus, existe t il des bus de maligcong a bontoc vers 12h00 et aussi bus de bontoc à banaue vers 13h00 14h00 afin que je puisse enchainer sur mon bus de nuit banaue manille.
Aussi existe t il aussi un bus banaue tinglayen?
Enfin est ce que cet itineraire est réalisable?
Aussi mon vol arrive vers 15h30 à manille je compte prendre le bus de nuite pour Banaue faut il aller reserver le bus de nuit de suite ou aurais je le temps de m 'arreter a manille pour faire du change avant de me rendre a sampaloc pour ma reservation?
De Banaué il te faudra aller a Bontoc, puis prendre un jeepney pour TinglayAn(avec un A), attention le dernier part vers Midi-12h30, tu arrives a Tinglayan vers 15h, arretes-toi a Luplupa a 1,5km de Tinglayan!Tu descends au village et tu demande a voir Victor(guide) et il te meneras au Riverside Inn ou tu prendras une chambre(impec)pour 250P la nuit!Et tu t"arrange avec lui pour les treks(1000p/j)!Pour aller a Sagada, tu retournes a Bontoc, puis tu prends un jeepney pour te mener la-haut(40mn)! De Sagada tu reprends un bus pour Baguio et de la, Manille! Salut!
Pour info, Bontoc est à moins d'une heure à pied de Maligcong (dans ce sens ça descend). Si tu passes la nuit à Maligcong, je te conseille de rester au "Maligcong Homestay" (ça n'est pas la guest house indiquée dans le LP, elle se trouve quelques dizaines de mètres avant, en venant du centre de Maligcong). Tenue par un couple adorable, Suzette et Gérôme. Gérôme descend tous les jours à Bontoc en voiture, il pourra te dépanner si besoin est. Ils ont une page facebook : Maligcong Homestay and Coffee Shop.
Pour les bus ou jeepney Bontoc Banaué, il y a plusieurs compagnies, surtout le matin, mais il me semble qu'il y a aussi des possibilités l'après-midi, du genre le bus qui fait Tabuk-Banaue (à vérifier ou confirmer par d'autres).
Quoi qu'il en soit, ton trajet me paraît ultra serré. Et en plus c'est sans compter sur les pannes de bus, éboulements de terrains (fréquents sur Tynglayan Bontoc).
Pour les deux points forts sont Batad (le "Simon's inn" est très bien, et plus aéré et plus convivial que le commercial "view inn") et Maligcong.
Pour le bus Manille Banaue, ça dépend à quelle période de l'année tu pars. En octobre (basse saison, il n'y avait personne).
Par ailleurs, les guides ont une utilité discutable pour les treks d une journée.... Les habitants sont ravis de renseigner sublime on se perd! Les guides c est un bon bizness plus ou moins local....
Merci pour ton aide, j arriverai fin mai à manille est ce qu il risque d avoir du monde dans les bus?
As tu fais sagada? Est ce incontournable?
As tu vu des bus partant de maligcong vers Bontoc vers 12h00 et bus bontoc Banaue vers 13h00 ou 14h00 afin d etre à Banaue vers 17h00 pour bus retour Manille?
Bonjour Lemonk68;
Merci pour les infos j irai voir victor de ta part.
J ai encore des questions:
A quelle heure part le premier bus de batad à banaue?
A quelle heure part le bus Banaue Bontoc?
Est ce possible de faire ce trajet en une journée : batad banaue bontoc tinglayan???
Il n'y a pas de bus de Batad a Banaué!De Bontoc a Banaué, pourquoi prendre un bus alors qu'il y a des jeepneys???Le dernier doit quitter Bontoc vers Midi-13h, a voir!
Oui, Sagada est incontournable.🙂 Ca fait plus de 20 ans que je ne vais plus a Banaué....Sagada et Tinglayan, souvent!
Fin mai je ne sais pas trop. Voici le numéro de Ohayami (fin oct il était encore bon) : 09276493055 J'avais téléphoné et ils m'avaient reservé une place. Ils te demande juste d'arriver 2h avant le départ.
De Batad (pas du village même, mais après avoir grimpé le sentier, une heure environ) à banaue, il y a un jeepney tous les matins vers 9h (en tous les cas en octobre). Sinon tu descends à pied sur la route principale, tu trouveras assez facilement.
Maligcong Bontoc, il me semble qu'il y a un jeepney vers 12h30, mais je n'en suis pas sûr. Contacte Suzette de ma part.
Quant à moi, je n'ai pas été du tout charmé par Sagada, ni par Banaue d'ailleurs. Encore une fois, Maligcong vaut largement le déplacement, ainsi que Batad (même si bien touristique).
Pour la Kalinga, tu peux gagner un peu de temps en descendant à Bugnay (quelques km avant Tinglayan) et aller tout seul à Buscalan. Pas besoin de guide comme dit plus haut.
Quand tu voyages, il faut s"intéresser a la culture, un guide peut t'apprendre beaucoup(surtout Victor Baculi) qui a plein d'anecdotes et surtout c'est un Kalinga, a
Busculan et environ, ils ne parlent que le Kalinga...et je sais que les habitants de ces petits villages n'apprécient pas trop les touriste isolés...Je connais la région depuis 23 ans!
...parce-que dans les rizières il y a des endroits tabous!Et ils n'apprécient pas que les touristes font n'importe quoi, ils ne peuvent pas les controlés étant donné qu'ils ne parlent pas anglais! Et aussi, les guides ne roulent pas sur l'or, peu de touristes dans le coin !😇
A Basculan j'ai été très bien accueilli, et j'ai rencontré des jeunes (du village), adorables, qui parlent bien anglais. Les temps changent vite ! Ils étaient très agréablement surpris que je ne sois pas là pour des tatouages ou pour acheter de l'herbe, et étaient ravis de me parler de leur culture (la vraie).
Tu peux dormir sur place également.
Bien sûr qu'un bon guide peut apporter beaucoup, mais, comme c'est le cas ici, quand on n'a pas de temps...
Quand tu voyages, il faut s"intéresser a la culture, un guide peut t'apprendre beaucoup(surtout Victor Baculi) qui a plein d'anecdotes et surtout c'est un Kalinga, a
Busculan et environ, ils ne parlent que le Kalinga...
En effet, se priver de la relation avec un guide (local j'entends), est dommage pour au moins quatre raisons :
- c'est plus facile d'approcher la compréhension de la région
- c'est un apport économique non négligeable pour une famille
- on gagne un temps fou quand on est tenu par le temps, ne serait ce que par ses connaissances des moyens de locomotions pour aller à tel ou tel endroit
- c'est une sécurité de plus en cas de pépin (ça n'arrive pas qu'aux autres)
...et je sais que les habitants de ces petits villages n'apprécient pas trop les touristes isolés...
Peut être une vieille réminiscence de coupeurs de tète... et si on en coupait encore une ! Ici on est en région Igorots.
En tous cas c'est la plus belle route (parfois une seule voie non carrossable) que j'ai empruntée aux Philippines, rizières de mon point de vue "les plus belles" parce que vierges de touriste (mais ce n'est pas la seule raison), les rizières de Betwagan (Sadanga) sont également classées UNESCO à juste titre, et la vallée de la rivière CHICO est splendide.
Le programme de CRISLO est trop serré. Personnellement j'éliminerai Banaue et Batad en allant le plus directement possible à Bontoc, soit par Banaue pour un changement de bus (je ne connais pas les horaires de correspondances, je voyage toujours en van), soit par Baguio (Haselma Road beaucoup plus interessante que via Banaue). Dans n'importe quel cas il faudra une nuit et la journée suivante. Fatigue garantie à Bontoc ! Dommage d'éviter une heure ou deux à l'excellent musée de Bontoc.
CHRISLO à écrit :
Oui, en hélicoptère.
CHRISLO à écrit : <
Aussi mon vol arrive vers 15h30 à manille je compte prendre le bus de nuit pour Banaue faut il aller reserver le bus de nuit de suite ou aurais je le temps de m 'arreter a manille pour faire du change avant de me rendre a sampaloc pour ma reservation? >
A moins d'avoir des milliers d'euros à changer, je ne vois pas l’intérêt d'aller se perdre dans le quartier Robinson Malate (bien que ce soit en direction de Sampaloc) pour trouver le meilleur change (certains disent Bodzen). A l'intérieur de l'aéroport il y a plusieurs changeurs officiels dont le taux varie de l'un à l'autre. Choisir le meilleur et partir tranquille dans les temps pour Sampaloc. Fin Mai, c'est la fin des vacances scolaires ici. Et la transumance recommence. Rien ne dit que le bus sera vide. Prévoir un polaire, dans les bus la clim est à fond parait il.
Bon voyage
Merci encore pour votre aide; je ferai donc le change à l'aéroport pour gagner du temps.
Ensuite je pense avoir voulu faire trop de choses, il faut faire des choix:
1 arrivee banaue visite riziere banaue
2 bus batad tinglayan
3 trek tinglayen
4 trek tinglayen
5 bus bontoc pour maligong (dormir à Maligcong)
6 maligcong bontoc batad
7 trek batad campulo pula
8 trek pula banaue
Qu en pensez vous?
Le timing est moins serré.
Je penses faire 2 jours de trek au depart de Tinglayan mais hesites entre trek dananao tulgao ou autre propo??
Auriez vous un autre itineraire à me suggerer?
Est ce que le trek batad campulo pula banaue vaut le coup?
Buscalan est sympa tu peux y passer la nuit et assister a une séance de tatouage fait par Fang-Od, la derniere tatoueuse traditionnelle et pourquoi ne pas en faire toi-meme, faut dire qu'elle a 86 ans...et ces tatoos sont très demandés par la
Jet-set de Manille...Sinon, oui Tulgao et Dananao, ou il y a une belle cascade et des sources d'eau chaudes...méfiance quand meme dans ces 2 endroits, car les vols sont fréquents, évite de dormir chez la captain du barangay de Tulgao, je m'y suis fait voler mon portable par son fils!J'y suis allé sans guide...avec, jamais il n'aurait fais ca!
Attention, le dernier jeepney quitte Bontoc pour Tinglayan vers 12h30!!!
Salut, je profite de ce post, pour poser la fameuse question sur la météo... Je sais bien que c'est loin d'être une science exacte et que le climat fait de plus en plus n'importe quoi mais:
- la visite du nord de Luzon en août est-elle possible, envisageable, suicidaire, téméraire, recommandée...
Je pense que la dernière proposition ne recueillera pas beaucoup de suffrages ...
Je me souviens des inondations à Manille en août dernier (je ne sais pas plus au nord)....😕
Merci
Effectivement notre ami aurait du préciser dès son premier poste (le 14 avril je crois) que son voyage est pour le mois d'aout. En mai fait ce qu'il te plait, mais en aout bonjour les routes. Sauf coup de bol, il pleut. A mon avis mieux vaut ne rien prévoir du tout et partir en se laissant guider par les circonstances et le temps. Bonne aventure.
Hello everyone! I’m heading off solo in February and wanted to share my rough itinerary with you. Does this sound doable?
PS: I’m not really into beaches.
D1 Departure on February 17, 2027
D2 Arrival in Kuala Lumpur – stroll through Chinatown and visit the Petronas Towers
D3: Kuala Lumpur – Chow Kit Market, Batu Caves, Little India, Bukit Bintang downtown area
D4: Early morning bus to Malacca. Explore Malacca in the afternoon and evening
D5: Another 2–3 hours in Malacca in the morning, then bus back to Kuala Lumpur. Merdeka Square area. Stay in Chinatown
D6: Bus trip to Kuala Tahan. Night tour
D7: Morning – canopy walk and Bukit Terisek hike. Afternoon – off to Lata Berkoh
D8 & D9: 2-day jungle trek in Taman Negara National Park
D10: Head to Cameron Highlands
D11: Morning hike through the plantations. Afternoon still to be decided
D12: Morning – excursion to Mossy Forest and Sungei Plantation. Afternoon bus to Ipoh
D13: Morning – Mirror Lake / Sam Poh Temple area. Afternoon – explore downtown Ipoh
D14: Morning train to Penang. Afternoon – wander around Georgetown
D15: Morning – Penang Hill and Keh Loh Temple. Afternoon – Georgetown
D16: Bus to Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden. Late afternoon – Burmese and Thai temples
D17: Morning flight to Singapore. Afternoon – Chinatown and Marina Bay tour
D18: Morning – Gardens by the Bay area. Afternoon – Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, Kampong Glam
D19: Morning – The Ridges area and Botanical Garden. Afternoon – Little India, then back to Chinatown before 11:15 PM return flight
D20: Morning arrival
Hi everyone,
I’ll be in western Malaysia for 20 days in January and February.
I’m coming from southern Thailand to Ipoh for the Thaipusam festivities.
Then it’s off to Pangkor Island.
I’ll finish up in Malacca for the Chinese New Year celebrations before heading to Singapore.
I’ve got a 6-day gap.
I was thinking of going to K.Lipis for the jungle train and heading to Dabong, but the caves might not be open.
Any suggestions around K.L.?
Day treks?
A stopover between K.L. and Malacca?
Thanks
Hi, I’ve read that these two volcanoes are super popular and that there are *tons* of people for sunrise, especially in July. I’m looking for firsthand accounts from anyone who’s done it later, around 9–10 a.m.
Thanks for your help!
Laëtitia
I’m heading to Cambodia at the end of December 2026 – January 2027 for 3-4 weeks. Since I’ve already visited Cambodia twice, my itinerary is a bit different this time—I’d love to explore Botum Sakor Park, Chi Pat, the Tatai region, and the Cardamom Mountains. I’m traveling solo. If you have any tips on transportation, excursions, treks, sights, or accommodations in the area, I’d really appreciate it. Thanks for your feedback!
Has anyone traveled with the Laos travel agency ADV ?
I’m planning a trip to Laos and have received several quotes. Among them, this agency’s seem very reasonable, and so far, the interactions have been positive.
I’ve found a few positive reviews online, but I’d love to hear from travelers who’ve actually booked with them: how’s the organization, guide quality, accommodations, on-the-ground responsiveness, etc.
Thanks for sharing your experiences!
First stop on our discovery of the peninsula: Amphawa. It’s our first night in Thailand (we arrived at Suvarnabhumi at 8:50 AM).
Our initial plan was to explore the area before heading further south. The Mae Klong Railway Market is tempting... but what else is there to do????
We’ll be there on a Wednesday, and from what I’ve read on the forum, some say there’s absolutely nothing to do during the week—no floating market, barely any shops open, no restaurants, etc.
Others, though, say the place is actually more charming without the weekend crowds.
Could you share your thoughts? Missing the floating market is one thing, but if it’s really a ghost town on Wednesdays, I might just drop our bags somewhere else.
Amphawa seemed like a good first stop, just 1.5 hours from the airport, but I’d still like to settle somewhere a bit lively for our first evening.
We’ll be there at the end of October.
Thanks!
Hi,
I wanted to visit the plantations in the morning with GetYourGuide or by just showing up.
How much time should I really plan for?
I’d like to catch either the 3 PM or 5 PM bus back to KL.
Thanks
Hi,
I wanted to get some info about the cable car and the bridge—I see lots of different options...
How much time should we allow for these two activities? If we arrive around 4 PM, will we have enough time to visit without rushing?
Thanks
Hi there,
I didn’t plan to return to Thailand this year, but my health conditions mean it’ll be the best place for me to stay between two trips to India. The tourism setup there is so well-organized that it’s the most "comfortable" country for a short visit. Thailand feels too sanitized for my taste, and there’s too much religion, Buddha, and the King, but it’s still the best option given how my health has been evolving. I’d considered two weeks in ThaTon for hiking, but I got too sick from the burn-offs during my trips to the mountains around Chiang Rai. So I’m not sure where to go this year. Definitely not the sea, touristy spots, or the mountains with burn-offs...
Hi,
On September 1st, we're heading to Kalimantan for six weeks, probably from Pontianak to the Derawan Islands.
I've scoured this site, which is usually my go-to 😉, and others like VoyageForum, but recent info is pretty scarce.
I'd love any tips on places you've visited—our itinerary is still a work in progress.
We're two couples traveling with backpacks, using buses, boats, guesthouses, and homestays.
Thanks in advance!
Hi fellow travelers,
First trip to Vietnam.
We’ll be arriving in Ho Chi Minh City during Tet.
Is it complicated to find accommodation and get around during this period?
Any tips would be welcome.
Thanks for your replies.
Hi! I’d like to split my trip into two parts: 15 days in Phuket and 15 days in Krabi. Do you know if I can rent a car and drop it off in Krabi when I fly back to France?
Thanks for your feedback!
Have a great Sunday!
Martine
Hello,
After 1 night in Khao Sok, I’d like to find a 2 Days 1 Night package on the lake.
After reading a lot, I decided to "break the bank" and treat ourselves to a private tour—mainly to avoid the crowds.
But after contacting several operators, they offer "private tours" that are very expensive (around 700 €), yet in the details, the boats can only leave from the pier at 10 AM like everyone else. (I was hoping to leave much earlier.) The morning program is the same for everyone too (private or not). They drop us off at noon at our floating hotel (I’d chosen Phupha Waree). Free afternoon (swimming or kayaking in front of the hotel). We head back by boat for a 1-hour sunset ride. And the next morning, we leave the hotel at 8 AM to be at the pier by 9:30 AM at the latest—end of the trip.
So basically, we’re paying a lot for a private tour just to do the same thing as everyone else at the same time.
Or maybe I just had bad luck in my search.
I contacted Panida Ladi, who’s very popular on forums. We’d agreed on a private tour that matched my request (departure from the pier at 8 AM, very personalized itinerary). We settled on the itinerary and price, she asked for a Wise transfer for a 30% deposit, confirmed receipt of the deposit. Then 30 minutes later, she messaged me to say she was canceling everything because it was impossible to do the requested tour—and promised a quick refund of my deposit.
So here’s my question: Who’s done a *real* private tour on this lake? Who can recommend a reliable agency? Is it even really possible to do a private tour here?
I’m searching for a real gem for my 3rd stay in Koh Lanta: a lovely, high-quality hotel right by an easily accessible beach in a lively spot.
If you know of anything that fits what I’m looking for and want to share, don’t hesitate!
Hi, is anyone there in Flores right now? According to some websites, everything is closed and the situation is tough. But our guide says it's fine. Who should we believe? We're supposed to leave on September 2nd. Thanks to anyone in Flores at the moment!
Hi dear community,
I'm planning to visit Cambodia this winter, right after Christmas, for my first solo trip and my first trip to Asia. For two weeks (yes, I know it's short, but I really can't do more...). I have two main desires: Siem Reap and the countryside, the villages, the Mekong...
What do you think of this itinerary? Arrival in Siem Reap, departure from Phnom Penh.
SR: 5 days (1 day for arrival, 3 for the temples, 1 for the lake and its villages)
Kratie (stop on the way to Mondolkiri): 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days there)
Mondolkiri/Sen Monorom: 4 days (1 day of travel, 1 day there, 2 days of treks)
PP: 3 days (1 day of travel, 2 days of sightseeing)
I think I need to cut one day somewhere if I travel from Saturday to Saturday or Sunday to Sunday. In Kratie, maybe? Or in PP? And I'll miss the boat trip that everyone recommends (SR-Battambang), but I don't see where to fit it in. Unless I do a PP-PP loop starting in the east, skip Kratie or just stay one night, then SR, then PP.
In my timing, Mondolkiri seems closer than Ratanakiri, which also tempted me a lot! Will it be too complicated alone? I'm thinking of using local guides or a small local agency for a nature and village getaway.
I've read that Siem Reap is very crowded between Christmas and New Year's. I could also do the circuit in the opposite direction. But I thought it would be easier to get familiar with the country by arriving in a touristy area—I might be wrong...
Thanks for your advice and opinions!
Hi everyone.
I’m planning my trip, and based on all the posts I’ve read, this country is amazing.
Of course, I’ve got a ton of questions for you.
Here’s a possible itinerary: Vientiane - Vang Vieng - Phonsavan - Sam Neua - Nong Khiaw + villages - Phongsali - Luang Namtha and the area - Udomxai - Huay Xai - Luang Prabang and back to Vientiane.
What do you think?
We’re planning to prioritize local transport—is it possible to do this loop?
We’d also love to go kayaking, but I’m not sure if the season’s right or where the best spot is.
For trekking—I read that Phongsali is the most authentic spot to visit villages and see wildlife. Do you know of a reliable agency and a guesthouse with reasonable prices?
Is it worth taking a slow boat for a stretch on the Mekong, and if so, which route?
For accommodations, is it better to book through Booking.com and Agoda or look when we arrive?
Are mosquitoes bad in Laos, and should we take malaria prophylaxis?
What’s the average daily budget (accommodation, food, visits)?
Is renting scooters a good option for exploring towns, and if so, which ones?
From what I’ve read, it’s best to carry cash—euros or dollars? Is it risky to walk around with that much cash?
I’ve still got tons of questions. Thanks to anyone who can help, and I’m open to all tips, info, etc.
Thanks again
Hi there,
I’m planning a family trip (my wife and I, both 47, and our two sons, aged 5 and 12) to Malaysia for the last week of June and the first two weeks of July 2027.
We used to love road trips as a couple, then as a trio, but since our second child arrived, we’ve taken a break with "camping village" style trips.
Now feels like the right time to get back to our old habits, while adjusting the pace for the kids.
We’re craving Asia. We’ve been lucky enough to visit Thailand, Indonesia (Bali and Lombok), and Sri Lanka before.
Friends have raved about Malaysia, so we’re definitely tempted.
For those who know and love Malaysia, what would be a good itinerary starting from Kuala Lumpur, with a maximum of 3-4 stops? We’d like a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation (just to clarify, we’re not big beach fans). All of this without rushing, of course.
Hello,
We’re a family of four with two teens aged 16 and 18. We’re heading to Thailand this summer. We’ll arrive in Bangkok and plan to take a flight to Luang Prabang.
I’ve seen there are some great visits and excursions to do (temples, markets, waterfalls) and maybe even venture a bit north to places like Nong Khiaw, Muang Xay, Muang Ngoy, or Oudom Xay.
But I’ve also heard about the Bokeo region with the Gibbon Experience.
Since we won’t be able to do everything, I’d love to hear about your experiences, impressions, and advice on the two options I’m considering, especially since we’ll be meeting family in Chiang Mai, Thailand, afterward.
Option 1: A loop from Luang Prabang heading slightly north, then a flight from Luang Prabang to Chiang Mai.
Option 2: A few days in Luang Prabang, exploring within a few dozen kilometers around, then heading to Bokeo province for the 2-day/1-night Gibbon Experience. For this option, I saw on Rome2Rio that it’s possible to book a ferry trip on the Mekong from Luang Prabang to Huay Xay—they mention about 8 hours. But is that realistic? What type of boat is it?
Then, to get to Chiang Mai, there aren’t many options—bus or minivan—but how does crossing the border work?
Finally, for those of you who’ve been to Laos in August, what was the weather like?
We’ve already visited Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia during the same period over the past four years and weren’t really bothered by bad weather.
I’m starting a discussion about guides in the Mekong Delta because we’ve just finished our trip in this region and had a hard time finding a French-speaking guide. We had Thanh—she speaks French really well and travels all over the delta region, including Ho Chi Minh City. She’s super friendly and flexible. I recommend her wholeheartedly. If it can help someone...
Feel free to contact us for her number.
Hi everyone,
I couldn’t find any recent info on Kuching.
Can anyone recommend a hotel or guesthouse for under 100 RM that’s nice and affordable? No dorms, please.
Also, does it rain a lot in November, and is it still worth visiting Semenggoh or Bako?
We’ll be arriving in Phnom Penh this coming January and we’re thinking of starting our trip with a stop in Kampong Cham, then Kratie.
After Kratie, we’re considering heading toward Siem Reap with a stop in Kampong Thom.
That said, I’m not really sure how long the Kratie–Kampong Thom journey might take or how complicated it is.
Does this stop on the way to Siem Reap seem like a good idea to you?
If we don’t visit the Sambor Prei Kuk site, are there still any walks or sights worth checking out in Kampong Thom?
Silly question—backpack or hard-shell suitcase for the Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Tioman, KL trip?
I’m struggling to fit all my son’s and my stuff into the 70L backpack... and I’m thinking a suitcase would be easier, but I’m not sure if it’ll work for getting around.
After a stay on Koh Phayam this coming November, I’d like to spend 2 or 3 days on Koh Phra Thong before heading further south.
Do you think it’s doable to leave Koh Phayam early enough to catch the 10 AM boat from Khura Buri to Koh Phra Thong? The next one isn’t until 4 PM, which would cost me a whole day.
I’m planning a trip to Indonesia, specifically Sulawesi and Java, in September for 10 days.
I don’t know this part of the world at all—any advice is welcome!
I’ll be traveling solo and would also love tips on meeting other travelers or locals.
Hello everyone,
Not long ago, I used to travel as a couple, but my husband has since passed away, and I’ve decided to set off again. The trip I took to Cambodia in January 2025 did me a world of good.
I’m now considering Thailand, a destination we never included in our plans because even 15 years ago, people said it was too touristy. Still, I’m thinking about the itinerary below, but I don’t feel up to arranging buses, trains, or guides on my own while I’m there. I’m looking for one or more drivers and have been in touch with an agency, but their offers are just copy-paste group tours that I don’t want.
So, if you have any contacts, experiences, or advice, I’d be so grateful if you’d share them with me. Here’s my rough plan:
Arrival in Bangkok
Ayutthaya (2 nights)
Kanchanaburi (2 or 3 nights)
Sangkhlaburi/Sai Yok (3 nights)
Sukhothai (2 nights)
Lampang (I’ve planned 3 nights, but that might be a bit much—it depends on what time I arrive in the city)
Chiang Mai
Chiang Dao
Pai
Chiang Rai
I was thinking about the Mae Hong Son loop—thoughts?
What do you think about staying overnight at the Golden Triangle?
When I look online, of course, I can find agencies that organize tours to national parks, etc.
I’m retired but in great physical shape. I’d rather go hiking than sit in hot springs with crowds of tourists who’ve all arranged meet-ups. I don’t want to spend a day at an elephant camp, and I don’t want to visit Karen villages.
I’d love to hear your advice.
Thank you all,
Hi everyone,
Could you share your thoughts on my 3-week itinerary?
We’re a small group (family + friends) of 12 people, planning to leave around January 21, 2027.
Here’s my itinerary:
3 nights in Bangkok
4 nights in Chiang Mai
3 nights on Koh Samui
3 nights on Koh Phangan
4 nights in Krabi
4 nights in Phuket
I’m also open to any great tips you might have...
Thanks, everyone! Alain.
Hi there,
We’re planning a 3-week family trip next summer with our three kids, who’ll be 8, 8, and 7 years old.
After some research, we’re leaning toward Malaysia to combine nature/forests and paradise beaches. The idea is to introduce our kids to the country’s culture, nature, and wildlife.
We want a great trip but without splurging on luxury options like high-end lodges and resorts. We’re looking for comfort with a touch of authenticity—basically, a good middle ground.
I’ve started putting together an itinerary and would love your expert advice and tips to help us build this amazing trip with our little ones.
Day 1: Departure from France
Day 2: Kuala Lumpur
Stay at a hotel near the airport or KL Sentral.
Just one night.
Day 3: Morning flight to Sandakan (Borneo).
Stay in Sepilok
Day 4: Sepilok:
* Orangutan Center
* Malayan Sun Bear Center
* Rainforest Discovery Centre
Day 5: Depart for Kinabatangan.
Boat safari in the late afternoon.
Day 6: Sunrise safari.
Jungle walk.
Evening safari.
Day 7: Final safari.
Return to Sandakan.
Flight to Kuala Lumpur, then to Kota Bharu (or overnight transit depending on schedules).
Day 8: Transfer to the port.
Boat to the Perhentian Islands.
Days 9 to 13: Perhentian Besar
5 full days.
* Snorkeling
* Hiking
* Turtle watching
* Wild beaches
* Relaxation
Day 14: Return to the mainland.
Bus or private car to Taman Negara.
